This issue is slightly different from most Footsteps issues. Instead of gathering articles from people with experience on different subjects, we are sharing much of the learning Tearfund has gained about facilitation skills.
Magazine
How to facilitate participatory learning effectively
2004
This issue is slightly different from most Footsteps issues. Instead of gathering articles from people with experience on different subjects, we are sharing much of the learning Tearfund has gained about facilitation skills.
Servants of the King. Read Matthew 20:20-28. Each of us needs to develop humility and servanthood in our Christian life. We need to be witnesses by what we do – not just by what we say – even if those all around us act differently.
An interview with Mulugeta Dejenu, based in Ethiopia, who works as a Regional Advisor for Tearfund.
by Francis Ademola. CRUDAN (Christian Rural and Urban Development Association of Nigeria) is a growing organisation with a big vision! In the year 2000, CRUDAN set up new offices in five different zones of Nigeria to share their activities more widely.
by Sophie Clarke. Facilitation describes the process of taking a group through learning or change in a way that encourages all members of the group to participate. This approach assumes that each person has something unique and valuable to share. Without each person’s contribution and knowledge, the group’s ability to understand or respond to a situation may be reduced. The facilitator’s role is to draw out knowledge and ideas from different members of a group, to help encourage them to learn ...
by Solomon Dibaba Leta.
by Rossanna Virgínia Moreira. The PILLARS (Partnership In Local LAnguage ResourceS) guides encourage learning from people’s own culture. They share information in a way that encourages awareness of local problems and possible solutions to resolve these. The PILLARS process uses small teams working together to translate the guides into their own language. The guides include discussion of social issues and the Christian faith. They bring together people who long to make a difference to peoples’ ...
Ask yourself these questions each time you lead a small group discussion. It will help you to assess the development of your skills in facilitation. Write down your answers and compare them over time.
During meetings, workshops or training sessions there may be times when energy levels fall and people’s attention wanders. This is particularly true at the end of the morning, just after lunch or towards the end of the day. Difficult presentations, high temperatures and challenging decisions can all be made easier if there are enjoyable breaks between sessions.
by Isabel Carter. Some people are naturally good at facilitation. However, most of us have to work hard to become good facilitators. Learning facilitation skills through day-to-day work can take a long time. Meetings or workshops can help people to improve their skills in a short time. They can learn helpful tips and lessons that will remain with them.